Clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a common presentation in our office. Tennis elbow is a condition affecting the muscles and tendons of the forearm, primarily where they attach at the outside portion of the elbow.
Tennis elbow occurs in association with many tasks that involve loaded and repeated gripping or wrist extension activities. These can include sports such as tennis, squash, badminton as well as occupational and leisure pursuits such as carpentry, bricklaying and sewing, some computer use is also shown to be associated with the development of this condition.
Tennis elbow is characterised by pain over the outer aspect of the elbow and aggravated by extension of the wrist or gripping tasks. Some sufferers can also present with associated neck stiffness, tenderness or signs of nerve involvement.
Here are some tips that can help assist in easing the pain associated with Tennis Elbow:
- Rest – Don’t try to push through the pain, it could make things worse in the long run. Rest allows time for the body to heal and let the muscles recover from overuse.
- Ice- Using a cold ice pack or peas (with a teatowel in between) for 10mins every hour or multiple times throughout the day can assist in relieving pain, reducing swelling and aiding a speedy recovery.
- Warm up and cool down before and after sport or training – make sure the muscles of the shoulder, elbow and wrist are ready to perform.
- Stretch! Help prevent tight muscles, stretch out the forearms and wrists frequently throughout the day, holding for 45-60secs.
Sometimes a little extra help can go a long way. Chiropractic treatment for tennis elbow can be effective in alleviating pain and speeding up recovery. We manage tennis elbow in our clinic by using a variety of techniques including muscle release work to help reduce inflammation and tightness of the muscles as well as mobilisations and adjustments to help assist in joint function of the elbow and wrist, to help restore proper movement, decrease pain and optimise function. Not only will we check the site of the pain but other areas of the limb and spine for causes and dysfunctions.
For more information about tennis elbow or other injuries please contact us at Simply Health and Wellness in Dural on 9651 5559 or info@simplyhealthandwellness.com.au
